Weasels Receive Richelieu Cup

By R. Inkrat, for the Hockey News
Photos by Susan Dench

PORTLAND HARBOR, MAINE, JULY 15, 2011-  Despite trans Atlantic travel, a customs snafu, litigation, and scandal over violations of the league salary cap and allegations of substance abuse, the Gold Weasels of the Morning Hockey Club received the coveted Cardinal Richelieu Cup in a dockside ceremony at DeMillo's floating restaurant in the city tonight.

Good sport that he is, though reluctantly, GM Gerry Nadeau received the cup from representatives of Les Gardiens de la Coupe Richelieu and delivered to Weasel player/manager Matt "Dipsey-Doodle-Dandy " Noone.

 The one and only Matt Noone clings to the Cup

 Noone, overcome with emotion, received the cup and almost immediately turned it over to goalie Jim "Redlight" Secunde, winner of the Vespucci Trophy, saying, "Our goalie should be the first one to carry the cup."  Following tradition the Cup will be passed from Weasel to Weasel until all have had it for at least one day, after which it will be turned over to GM Nadeau for safekeeping and custody until the next playoff series.

It was a spirited moment for the Gold Weasels in attendance.  "This is the moment you dream of," said Weasel forward Steve Freese. "I've waited for this this my whole life."  Moments like this do take players back to childhood memories of playing street hockey and imagining themselves one day actually raising the famed flagon in their own right.

Of course, looking ahead to the next series, Blue Dog players, while gracious during the obscene and excessive celebrations of the Weasels, were resolved in their determination that it would be they, and not the rat pack, raising the cup the next time.  "Just wait," Nadeau promised, "you will see next time.  It will be different."

One delightful extra benefit was the celebration of the 53rd birthday of JJ Mokarzel, who shared his personal fete with the MHC players.  "There's no one I'd rather spend it with," he said.  Mokarzel was a key player for the Blue Dogs in defeat, but was stunned to find himself traded to the Yellow Peril after the playoffs when sniper Tom Golebiewski was sent to Blue to cure a flagrant salary cap violation by Yellow.

JJ Celebrates with wife Karen and his kids

Yellow stalwart Richard "Gidge" Veilleux read a congratulatory telegram written in French from the religious brothers who had sent the Cup to the States.  We will be posting the complete text and the simultaneous translation shortly.

 Brian Linscott hoists the Cup as Tom Golebiewski and Gidge Veilleux watch

Matt Fitzgerald celebrates